Manhunt intensifies for Tennessee man accused of killing two in days-long crime spree

October 2, 2018

Police are searching for Kirby Gene Wallace (pictured), a fugitive on the run since he allegedly attacked a couple on September 23rd. Wallace allegedly tied them up before setting their home in Stewart County on fire, killing Brenda Smith and seriously injuring Teddy Smith. (Handout)

The manhunt for a Tennessee criminal accused of killing two people in a week-long crime spree entered its third day on Tuesday.

Officials are frantically searching for 53-year-old Kirby Gene Wallace, a 10 most=wanted fugitive on the run since he allegedly attacked a couple on September 23. Police said he tied them before setting their home in Stewart County on fire, killing 63-year-old Brenda Smith and seriously injuring Teddy Smith, the Tennessean reported.

The couple had just returned from church Sunday to find the intruder inside their home.

A few days later, Wallace allegedly tied up an elderly woman and robbed her home in nearby Montgomery County.

Authorities ramped up their search efforts for Wallace on Monday, the same day the suspect allegedly shot and killed a man before stealing his pickup truck. Given the vehicle was found crashed and abandoned a few miles away from the crime scene, law enforcement believe the suspect is traveling on foot and likely sporting camouflage.

Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson said that while Wallace has yet to be positively identified, authorities believe it is him based on evidence discovered on the scene.

Several roads remained closed and schools in the area were placed on a soft lock down Tuesday as law enforcement continued to comb through the rugged and rural terrains surrounding the multiple crime scenes.

At least 20 agencies are assisting in the manhunt, including 20 agents with Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, according to CBS News. Wallace is wanted on charges including first-degree murder, felony murder, aggravated arson, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, especially aggravated burglary and theft of property.

Police warned that Wallace is likely armed and dangerous and described him as 5 feet 10 inches tall with gray and brown hair. He weighs around 160 lbs., has hazel eyes and may have some sort of facial hair.

A reward of $7,500 is being offered for information leading to Wallace’s capture. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.